UCFPD Welcomes 2 New Officers, Announces Promotions

Highlights

• During UCF Public Safety's recent swearing-in ceremony, officers Brittany Lopez and Daira Yulfo-Vargas '25 joined the UCF Police Department and will enter the patrol division after completing field training.

• The ceremony also recognized the promotions of four UCF Public Safety team members - Corporal Melissa Guadagnino, Jennifer Floyd, Benita Harrison and Tiffany Ortiz - as they take on new leadership roles.

Behind every badge is a commitment to serve - a commitment two new officers now carry forward at UCF.

Surrounded by family, friends, colleagues and university leaders, the officers were sworn in during a ceremony that marked not just a personal milestone, but the UCF Police Department (UCFPD)'s continued growth and commitment to service.

"UCF is a special place and working in public safety here takes a special kind of person," says UCF Police Chief Robbin Griffin-Kitzerow. "It takes someone who genuinely cares, who shows up every day with a heart for service, and who is committed to the safety and well-being of our students, faculty, and staff."

Ross Wolf, interim dean of the College of Community Innovation and Education and associate provost of UCF Downtown, shakes hands with new UCF police officer Daira Yulfo-Vargas '25 during a recent swearing-in ceremony.

Ross Wolf, interim dean of the College of Community Innovation and Education and associate provost of UCF Downtown, reflected on the ceremony's significance, drawing on his recent retirement from policing after 34 years of service in both full-time and reserve roles.

"My law enforcement career instilled in me a deep respect for this profession and for the camaraderie, commitment and sense of purpose that define it," Wolf says.

UCFPD's two newest officers will join the patrol division after completing a field-training program, where they'll work alongside senior officers and gain hands-on experience out in the field before graduating to solo patrol.

Get to Know the New Officers

Officer Brittany Lopez is pinned by UCF Police Chief Robbin Griffin-Kitzerow during a recent swearing-in ceremony.

Brittany Lopez

Having previously served with the Clermont Police Department as both a patrol officer and a detective, Brittany Lopez brings a strong foundation in law enforcement to UCF. She was drawn to UCFPD for its culture and the unique community it serves. With a master's degree in cybercrime from the University of South Florida, Lopez is driven by a desire to help students make informed choices that support their future success.

Daira Yulfo-Vargas '25 is pinned by her father as she becomes a UCF Police Department officer during a recent swearing-in ceremony.

Daira Yulfo-Vargas '25

Joining UCFPD is a full-circle moment for Daira Yulfo-Vargas '25. After moving to Orlando to attend UCF, she began as a police explorer while earning her bachelor's degree in criminal justice. She later served as a UCFPD cadet and, through departmental sponsorship, completed the police academy, graduating among the top academic performers in her class. Now she returns to serve her alma mater as a UCF police officer, committed to supporting students and advancing the department's safety mission.

Celebrating Promotions

The ceremony also recognized four individuals taking on new roles within UCF Public Safety.

Corporal Melissa Guadagnino is pinned by her father as she is recognized for her new role in the Community Outreach and Crime Prevention Unit during a recent swearing-in ceremony.

Corporal Melissa Guadagnino

Community Outreach and Crime Prevention Unit

Corporal Melissa Guadagnino has been a vital part of UCFPD for more than 12 years, including nine years as a detective. In that role, she worked alongside her therapy dog, Chipper, providing investigative support and comfort to victims during difficult moments. She's also served on the Emergency Response Team through dozens of deployments and instructed crisis intervention and patrol investigator programs. Now part of the Community Outreach and Crime Prevention Unit, Guadagnino continues to lead with dedication and heart, making an impact.

Left to right: UCF Police Chief Robbin Griffin-Kitzerow, Jennifer Floyd and Deputy Chief Scott Freeman '11.

Jennifer Floyd

University Physical Security Manager

During a time of significant staffing transitions, Jennifer Floyd played a critical role in maintaining operations while supporting major security initiatives. She coordinated hundreds of maintenance requests and led a campuswide security camera upgrade, overseeing the replacement of more than 500 cameras to strengthen UCF's safety infrastructure. Floyd also led nearly 50 training sessions, helping ensure teams have the knowledge and confidence to effectively manage and maintain essential systems.

Left to right: UCF Police Chief Robbin Griffin-Kitzerow, Benita Harrison and Deputy Chief Scott Freeman '11.

Benita Harrison

Administrative Operations Manager

Benita Harrison supports departmental leadership with professionalism and exceptional integrity. She manages daily operations, chairs multiple committees and oversees all department-led events, playing a key role in ensuring smooth transitions. Her attention to detail and ability to create meaningful experiences are felt at every level across the organization.

Left to right: UCF Police Chief Robbin Griffin-Kitzerow, Tiffany Ortiz and Deputy Chief Scott Freeman '11.

Tiffany Ortiz

Dispatch Supervisor

Tiffany Ortiz brings a deep understanding of communication operations. Known for delivering organized, accurate and dependable work, she's respected by both her peers and patrol officers for her collaborative, supportive approach. In her new role, she led a full revamp of the dispatch training program, updating the manual, strengthening the curriculum and enhancing skill development to better prepare team members for long-term success.

Together, these new officers and newly promoted leaders represent UCF Public Safety - united by a shared commitment to serve, support and safeguard the campus community.

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